PURITY

		"THE BRIDE WORE WHITE" In a time when the world is so unclean, there are still young ladies who commit their lives to cleanliness before marriage, and in doing so they protect their bodies and their hearts. On Sunday June 5, more than a dozen young adult ladies who attend the Shelby Church of God were recognized for participating in "The Bride Wore White". This six week purification was designed to teach young ladies the importance of abstinence before marriage. Those who fully completed the program received a "Purity" ring, a symbol of their agreement to abstain.

		The program was commenced with a Spa Day excursion to Spruce Hill. Each girl was pampered through facial classes with cosmetics, manicure classes with polish, and color treatments with hairlighting. In addition they heard special speakers from the church. Mature adults spoke to the ladies concerning many aspects of life's challenges and the importance of wholeness. There were also special speaker during the once a week program. These meetings were held at the church and comprised of literature, bible scripture, statistics, and prayer. Ladies that participated in any part of the program were invited to the purity ceremony. Special speakers included Greg and Sunny Miller, Gwen Eulett, Kim Bumpus, and members of the "Bride Team".

		"The Bride Wore White" was a formal ceremony held during the A.M. service and officiated by Pastor Rick Lewis and Youth Pastor Jimmy Bailey. In opening a devotion was read followed by a progression with Breena Patrick as flower girl, and Ethan Martin as ring bearer. Each lady was then escorted to the altar by a significant male in her life. A video entitled "A Father's Love Letter" incorporated biblical background and scripture pertaining to wholeness and purity. Afterwards was the ceremony of rings. Each lady who completed every aspect of the program received a silver band with the emobssed word "Purity". These rings were given by each ladies escort, and placed on their left ring finger. *At that time a white rose was given to symbolize purity. Special Singers were Mark & Angie Prater. In closing a prayer was given.*

		*Leading this ministry was Connie Lewis, assisted by the "Bride Team" of Michelle Bailey, Monica Phillips, Tina Martin, and Debbie Ramey.* *Other sponsors included Ralph Phillips, Shelby Floral, Rebecca Harris,* *Misty Miller and Melissa Kehres.* *Pictured at left Sis. Connie Lewis* *Above article written by Gayle Sweeney*

		*Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean, wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalms 51:7* *Saving yourself for marriage may seem like a difficult thing to do in today's sexually permissive society. But when you look at the benefits of waiting, the choice becomes clear.* *It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality. I Thess 4:3 (NIV)* *There are benefits from Absentinence: More self respect, better chance of faithfulness in marriage, less worries regarding pregnancy, less worries about sexual tranmitted diseases.*

		SENIOR PASTOR *Rick and Connie Lewis with their daughter Markie*

		The ceremony just wouldn't have been complete without this adorable couple! Flower girl: Breena Patrick Ring Bearer: Ethan Martin

		YOUTH PASTORS Jimmy & Michelle Bailey with their daughter Brittany

		*Some of the young ladies with their escorts*

		THE CAKE Following the ceremony cake and punch was served. The beautiful 3 tier wedding cake was baked and decorated by one of our members, Jim Copley. Pictured are Monica Phillips and Sis. Lewis preparing to cut the cake. The fellowship hall was decorated with candles, flowers and balloons.